Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Rafsanjan, Iran; 2017: A cross-sectional study

Background: Low birth weight is an effective factor in neonatal mortality and morbidity. Growth retardation and subsequent chronic diseases are other complications of LBW. The goal of the present study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of LBW in Rafsanjan city in 2016. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated existing data of all live births born in Niknafas Rafsanjan Maternity Hospital, the main maternity hospital in the city, and other delivery centers, from March 2016 to 2017. The information was analyzed in two stages using univariable, and multivariable logistic regression model, to control the effect of confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of LBW was 9.7% in Iranian population of which 4.5% had a gestational age of 37 weeks and more. In non-Iranian population (Afghan), the prevalence of LBW was 13.8%, and the percent of gestational age of 37 and more with weight under 2500 gram was 6.7. The main risk factor was gestational age under 37(OR= 38.38). Other important variables in this study that had significant effects after controlling for the confounding were age over 35 years (OR= 1.485), addiction (OR= 4.057), Abortion history (OR= 1.2), Place of living (Village vs. city) (OR=0.93), Maternal educational Level (OR= 1.85), infant’s gender (Boy vs. girl) (OR= 0.74), and delivery type (OR=1.39) Conclusion: Despite the provided health services, there was found a high prevalence of LBW, so delivering quality healthcare for all pregnant women and screening for high-risk pregnancies, such as, prevention of premature delivery, educational interventions, and quality healthcare for high risk groups and beside, more research on the recognition of other risk factors can have important role in LBW prevention.